Why shouldn’t I give directly?

Research suggests giving money to people who are begging does not help to move them away from the streets and address the complicated mix of problems, which may include mental health issues and drug and alcohol addiction.

By giving them money, you are making it easier for them to continue to live on the streets and may be discouraging them from accessing the many support services that are out there.

Rochdale, like almost all towns and cities, has a number of rough sleepers and vulnerable people on the streets begging.

How do we define homelessness? The definition of a rough sleeper is a person sleeping in the open air, such as a car park, disused building or doorway.

However, not all homeless people are living on the streets. Homelessness also refers to peoplewho are living in temporary, insecure or unsuitable accommodation such as B&Bs, hostels or in a friend’s property. Homelessness is a complex issue with no single solution.